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  03/31/2020

  War with an Invisible Enemy

  This photo that this painting is inspired by was taken in February in Bozhou, China of workers disinfecting an outdoor area when the Chinese lockdown was at its peak. The image was very moving when I first saw it. The setting, with only trees visible behind them in the photograph, makes it seem as if they are disinfecting nature. Although both people and viruses are natural organisms, nothing in this painting seems natural. No skin, no faces, just machinery, hazmat suits, and smoke. I’m also fascinated by the idea that there is such caution and seriousness in the combat of something invisible. The original photo can be seen here: https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/03/does-disinfecting-surfaces-really-prevent-spread-coronavirus